Indian tail frustrates Australia by avoiding follow-on in Brisbane Test

Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep defy Aussie bowling attack after KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja hit half-centuries

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Australia's efforts to force a second successive victory, and take a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy were on Tuesday vetoed by laborious half-centuries from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja before India's tail—Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep—held firm at the Gabba to avoid a follow-on even as persistent rains continued to disrupt proceedings on the penultimate day of the third Test.

At stumps, India reached 252 for 9, still trailing by 193, but with the follow-on off the table thanks to an impressive last-wicket rearguard from Deep and Bumrah, Australia will have to revisit their strategy on the final day if they are to claim victory in a match they largely dominated. Having said that, the Aussies will also have to utilise their backup bowling resources, after a potentially series-ending calf injury forced one of their lead pacers—Josh Hazlewood—out of action on Day 4.